2026 Lexus ES Rumored to Get a Redesign With Some Intriguing Updates
Some big changes are reportedly in store for the 2026 Lexus ES, which may be offered in all-electric, extended-range hybrid, and PHEV form.
The Lexus ES has been a stalwart in the luxury brand’s lineup since 1990, and is currently in its seventh generation. However, the current-gen ES debuted back in the 2018 model year, making it a bit long in the tooth at this point, even after the sedan has been treated to some updates along the way. Given the fact that its mainstream counterpart – the Toyota Camry – is just coming off a redesign for the 2025 model year, it seems like it’s only a matter of time before the luxury model gets a thorough revamp of its own – and according to recent rumors, the 2026 Lexus ES is set to do precisely that.
In this video from YouTuber Kirk Kreifels, we get a nice summary of the rumored changes in store for the 2026 Lexus ES based on a story that was published at Magazine X, based over in Japan. Needless to say, they’re pretty substantial. For starters, Lexus has filed a bevy of ES trademarks lately, which could indicate that all electric versions called the ES350e and ES500e may be in the works. These model names could be used for single- and dual-motor models, respectively, though Kreifels also believes that Lexus will continue to offer hybrids in the foreseeable future – perhaps past its previously stated goal of going all-electric by 2030.
Interestingly, Kreisels also notes that recent rumors suggest the 2026 Lexus ES will be built for the U.S. market in Japan, rather than Kentucky, where it’s currently produced, largely due to the fact that the Kentucky plant is being retooled for EV SUV production. As far as exterior styling, we don’t have much to go by when it comes to the 2026 Lexus ES – though we can look to the bevy of EV concepts that the luxury brand revealed a few years ago for clues.
Among that bunch, there was indeed a four-door sedan lurking in the back that sports the brand’s “hammerhead” type styling, along with a front end look that’s fairly similar to the 2025 Camry. In terms of powertrains, well, that much remains unclear as well, but Lexus has a few choices in that regard that already exist in its lineup – including the single- and dual-motor setup in the RZ, though Kreifels feels like it may be offered with more power, perhaps as much as 400 horsepower in the dual-motor ES500e, along with an extended-range or traditional plug-in hybrid.
On top of that, the 2026 Lexus ES could also arrive bearing second-generation e-axles, though it’s probably unlikely that solid state batteries will be ready for use in production vehicles by then. Regardless, it’s clear that there are some big changes in store for the long-running ES sedan, and we probably won’t have to wait much longer before they’re fully unveiled.
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